How education will adjust to the common coreChanges are in store for teachers at all levels in states that have adopted the Common Core State Standards, education consultant Erin Powers writes in this blog post. The standards emphasize the role of all teachers in the development of students' literacy skills, and in math, focus will shift to the application of real-world skills -- rather than passing a test, Powers writes. The common core also recognizes the growing importance of technology in education and the expectation that students can access information anytime, anywhere, she writes. Edutopia.org/Erin Powers' blog
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Helping students to think critically about popular cultureStudents are surrounded by popular culture that is often inappropriate with violence, sex and vulgarity, writes Marc D. Hauser, an educational consultant. In this commentary, he writes that when students want to include such video games, music or other items in class projects, teacher should use those opportunities to help students develop their critical-thinking skills to be able to recognize inappropriate materials. "Needless to say, this is not a topic of discussion and education that ever ends. But it is a topic that should be part of teachers' responsibilities," he writes. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org)
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Now learning the ABCs is as easy as uno, dos, tres.Introducing Imagine Learning Español, a new educational software solution designed to help pre-K and kindergarten students build Spanish language and literacy proficiency. It's a better way to give young learners a strong foundation to build on. Click here to see the program in action.

IRA CONVENTION 2013: Register Today!Join the celebration in San Antonio, Texas from April 19-22, 2013. Our exciting slate of Featured Speakers and more than 500 dynamic sessions will give you the knowledge you need to make an even greater difference in your classroom. Click to learn more about all speakers, Featured IRA Authors, Research Sessions, and Special Events.

Technology in the Classroom

The downside of using cellphones in the classroomWhile there is widespread agreement that smartphones should be integrated into instruction, several issues arise when implementing mobile technologies in the classroom, said educators who participated in a discussion on the subject at the 2013 Florida Educational Technology Conference last week. Many educators have found that text-messaging is a distraction for students, and that the technology can be used inappropriately for cheating and bullying. Other concerns include misuse of social media, student safety, and whether all students and teachers have equal access to the technology. T.H.E. Journal
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The essential guide to going 1:1.Power Up is the book your teachers need to understand the changes in pedagogy, planning, classroom organization, time management, and collaboration that will help them be successful with tablets, notebooks, and BYOD. Includes a PD study guide and companion website filled with teaching resources. Preview the entire book online!

Managing Budgets

Obama proposes changes to delay cuts to federal K-12 fundingPresident Barack Obama has introduced a series of proposals intended to delay the implementation of across-the-board spending cuts to K-12 education and other parts of the federal budget. Without action by Congress, the cuts are scheduled to take effect March 1. The spending cuts, known as the "sequester," have been considered since last year and already have been delayed once. Education Week/Politics K-12 blog
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SmartBrief is on RemindGo back-to-school with SmartBrief Education's class on Remind, the free communication platform built for teachers, parents and students. Every Wednesday during July, August and September youâll receive updates via email or text with links to content you can use for the new school year. Click here to register or simply text @SBEdu to 81010.

Policy Watch

Conn. reconsiders pace of teacher-evaluation reformThe Connecticut Board of Education is expected today to consider a proposal that would allow school districts to apply a new teacher-evaluation system to about one-third of schools in a district -- rather than all schools. The new evaluations, which takes students' test scores into consideration, were expected to be implemented statewide in the fall, but educators say the move has been rushed. Supporters of a delay say it will decrease anxiety and allow more flexibility in implementation. The Hartford Courant (Conn.)
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Balanced Literacy Essentials shows you how to navigate your way through the language and literacy block with 10 essential practices. This comprehensive guide includes literacy workshops, shared reading, constructive talk, read-alouds, writing, storytelling, and more. Preview the entire book online!

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ASCD News

Tips from the trenchesEducator Stephen Sroka has been asking a diverse group of leaders to weigh in on working in education today. He's spoken with Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children's Zone; Betsy Landers, president of the National Parent Teacher Association; Scott Gilliam, director of training at D.A.R.E. America; and many others. Their comments, organized into Whole Child Blog posts, address school safety, student services, administration and teaching. Read on.

Webinar -- Improving student learning one principal at a time: Walkthroughs and observationsJoin Jane E. Pollock for part two of her four-part webinar series based on the One at a Time series of ASCD books next Thursday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. EST. The webinar will focus on how to use GANAG for walkthroughs and observations. Register.